The question for the eurozone in 2012 is the pace of panic: a slow panic still grabs you in the end. Knowing Europe and the various governments there’s something out there with the capacity to bring on that feeling.
France
Greek gift of democracy puts Europe back on the brink
Europe is back on the brink of crisis after the Greek government opted to put last week’s bailout deal to the people. Glenn Dyer and Bernard Keane report on the latest developments.
For ‘dull’ Hollande, it’s ‘game over’ in French presidential race
Despite the misadventures of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, hopes are high in France’s Socialist Party as its voters go to the polls on Sunday to choose a candidate for next year’s presidential election to run against centre-right incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy.
Political snippets: Sacrebleu! The French repeal female pants ban!
The equal rights for women campaign has reached a new level in France.
French Socialists still haunted by ghost of DSK
It wasn’t supposed to be like this at all for France’s Socialist Party.
Strauss-Kahn edges closer to a comeback
Some New York media are claiming that those prosecuting the case of Dominique Strauss-Kahn are ready to drop all charges. Whilst this might be good news for DSK it will only further confuse the race for French Socialist Candidate.
Forget the food bit, just give me a drink
Younger generations of French wine drinkers are less likely to savour a bottle over food and more prone to drink simply for pleasure, according to latest research, reports Richard Farmer.
War on the internet: the key fronts
A widespread and in many ways concerted series of attack by governments on the internet is underway, one that has increased in scope and complexity since WikiLeaks humiliated the US government and social media helped fuel the Arab Spring.
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: Dominique Strauss-Khan
Crikey reads have their say.
France’s parties face a world without DSK
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, head of the International Monetary Fund and leading light of the French Socialist Party, remains in jail and leaves the French political world in turmoil.
Oh la la, IMF chief — and future French prez — in rape scandal
Sex and French politics go together like croissants and coffee. But the latest scandal, an alleged sexual assault against a New York hotel maid by IMF chief and French presidential hopeful Dominique Strauss-Kahn, leaves a far nastier taste.
A personal Anzac journey: finding family in France
To Troy Wilkinson’s, G T C Williams was nothing more than the name of his long dead great-grandmother’s brother. That is, until a pilgrimage to his grave in France made him examine the young soldier’s short life.
For Sarkozy, wars maketh the man
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has staked his future on the success of not one but six wars. If they fail, Sarko’s presidency will surely fail with them, writes Anne-Elisabeth Moutlet.
Encouragement for the French far right
The far-right National Front (FN) has gained ground in French local elections which suggests there really might be a national rise in support now that Marine Le Pen has succeeded her father Jean-Marie as the party leader, writes Richard Farmer.
travel Escaping capitalism (juste un peu) in France
It’s the social capital not the economic capital that runs the best businesses in France. Why go to an all-in-one supermarket when you can drop by your favourite bakery for a hot croissant and a chat? asks Carolyne Lee.
France and Germany urge nationals to leave Tokyo ASAP
While it may seem unduly dramatic, France and Germany have urged their nationals to leave Tokyo as soon as possible and Air France has been directed to provide an emergency airlift, reports Ben Sandilands.
A victory for dead smokers
French lawmakers have voted to end a draconian anti-smoking rule that deprived iconic Gallic puffers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Coco Chanel of their cigarettes in posters or photos, reports Richard Farmer.
France, UK butt heads over nuclear arms; more climate cables
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s push to reduce the numbers of nuclear-armed submarines operating within Britain’s military took US diplomats by surprise, another cable released by WikiLeaks shows today.
travel The revelation of Bordeaux, a quiet Paris
From grandiose columned architecture to colourful anti-Sarkozy protesters and stunning sunsets reflected against sandstone, Bordeaux proved a wonderful travel surprise during Nic Heath’s French adventures.
Mon dieu! Sarkozy spies on journalists
A French satirical weekly, Le Canard Enchainé, accused president Sarkozy of “supervising the spying of French journalists”, claiming that intelligence agencies were forced to investigate and monitor calls of journalists who were critical against the government.
Coming to terms with the fury of the French
Millions of French people have protested against the raising of the national retirement age, but their fury encompasses a great deal more - including the deterioration of government credibility and the leadership of Nicolas Sarkozy, who only exacerbates the country’s problems, writes Ullrich Fichtner.
Political snippets: Why inflation sucks in France
When you are in too much of a hurry to get the words out, things can go wrong as the former French Justice Minister Rachida Dati found to the amusement of many watchers of political television interviews this week.
Mon dieu! Versailles gets a modern makeover
Traditionalists have got their brocade and gold gilt in a twist, following a modern art exhibition inside the famed French Palace of Versailles. A petition of 5000 signatures pleads authorities not to “shatter the harmony” of Versailles.
French population poised to protest pensions reform
Viewed as a key plank for his reelection platform, French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s plan to raise the nation’s official retirement age from 60 to 62 has generated widespread controversy, with around two million people expected to stage unions-supported strikes.
Letter from...: Letter from: France, captivated by le duel entre deux personnalités
Australian political events are seen differently here in France. Whatever happens next in Australia’s federal election, the world is watching, writes France-based freelance journalist Alan Austin.
